Our Ann Arbor medical malpractice lawyers handle medical negligence cases against doctors, hospitals, clinics and nursing homes in the Arbor  area and throughout Washtenaw County.  According to the American Medical Association, every year in the United States more than 80,000 people die because of medical malpractice.   Many of these deaths give rise to a medical malpractice lawsuit and a wrongful death lawsuit.

 What is medical malpractice?

 Basically, medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional or health care institution is negligent and causes harm or damage to their patient.  This includes doctors, nurses, clinics and hospitals.

 Medical negligence can arise from something that was done (a negligent act) or something that was not done (an omission).  For example, if a surgeon cuts the wrong artery during a surgery, this might be considered a negligent act.  Likewise, if a doctor fails to order necessary x-rays or lab testing, this is also negligence but is considered to be an omission.

 What are the different types of medical malpractice?

 There are many types of medical malpractice for both negligent acts and or omissions.  The most common types are:

•  Birth injuries
• Surgical errors
• Operating room mistakes
• Anesthesia mistakes
• Radiology errors & misread x-rays
• Nursing negligence
• Patient Falls
• Medication mistakes
• Hospital infections
• Misdiagnosis

 What are the rights of victims of medical malpractice?

 Medical malpractice laws are designed to protect patients’ rights to seek compensation if they are injured as a result of medical malpractice. Under Michigan law, you can seek compensation for any injury caused by medical malpractice.  However, these cases generally take a lot of time and money to litigate and try, so it is usually unrealistic to seek damages, or sue for any injury or damage that is minor or heals quickly.  Medical malpractice that causes death to the patient gives rise to a Michigan Wrongful Death Lawsuit.

How much time to I have to file a Michigan medical malpractice case?

 Generally in Michigan, you have 2 years to make a medical malpractice claim from the time the negligent act or omission; but there are many variables with this particular Statute of Limitations.  It is essential to contact a lawyer immediately so that you do not miss any important deadlines that can destroy your case.

 When should I contact a medical malpractice lawyer?

 If you believe you have a medical malpractice claim, it is important to consult with an experienced Michigan medical malpractice lawyer who can help you determine if you have a claim that under Michigan law.  The sooner you contact the lawyer, the better so that an investigation can be started immediately and to protect your claims under the Statute of Limitations.

 For more information, you should request our FREE BOOK, “The Ultimate Michigan Medical Malpractice Handbook” and call us at (800) 606-1717.

The Summer months are a busy time of year for dog bite injuries and the most likely victims are children.  This is true, especially in cities like Ann Arbor, where children are outdoors and parks and riding their bikes and dogs are frequently unleashed and roaming the streets. 

The injuries from dog bites and attacks are often serious and include 44,000 cases of facial injuries each year.  Dog attacks account for approximately one percent of all emergency room visits a year in the United States and the warm months account for a majority of those visits.

Researchers and animal behavioral  specialists offer parents some precautions to prevent dog bites and attacks on children.  These include:

•NEVER leave a baby or young child alone with a pet.
•Start teaching young children to be careful around pets.
•Wait until children are older than 4 years of age before getting a dog.
•Select your family pet carefully and be sure to keep your pet’s vaccinations up-to-date.
•Leave animals alone when they are eating or caring for puppies.
•Keep pets on a leash when in public.
•Avoid sick animals and animals that you don’t know.
•Do not try to separate fighting animals.
•If you are threatened by a dog, remain calm; do not scream or turn and run.
•If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your head and neck.

 First and foremost, it is essential to get prompt medical attention after a dog bite.  Many times, the severity of the injury can be minimized with good, competent medical care.  Bites to a child’s face can lead to disfiguring scars and a plastic surgeon can address those issues right away.

Victims of dog bite attacks do have legal rights.  For more information on Michigan dog bite laws and lawsuits, order our FREE BOOK, “The Ultimate Michigan Dog Bite & Animal Attack Handbook.”  You can also call us at (800) 606-1717 to discuss your case.